Fashion show for hope

Clothing show raises funds for homeless mothers, children

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. – Volunteer models strutted their stuff at Act 3 Productions in Sandy Springs during the second annual fashion show that benefits the Drake Closet and Drake House.

The June 10 fundraiser included a raffle for prizes, food and best of all, shopping.

The Drake House is a crisis assessment center that provides emergency housing for homeless women and their children who live in the North Fulton area. The organization helps mothers and children recover from their situations by giving the families the resources to get back on their feet and find a job and self-sufficient housing while keeping them together.

The Drake Closet is a local clothing boutique that is an offshoot of the Drake House. The Closet allows people to donate gently used and new clothing for Drake House residents. The Drake Closet is really two boutiques, one in Roswell and Alpharetta, which are stocked with current fashions. All proceeds go to the Drake House.

Events like the fashion show create exposure for the organization and provide support to the homeless moms who depend on Drake House.

“The evening was a great success,” said Karen Pye, Drake House director. “We sold out, and that’s wonderful.”

Participants were entertained by the show’s host, Maggie Taylor of Act 3 Productions theater group in Sandy Springs. Taylor belted out her own renditions of popular songs like the Little Mermaid’s, “Part of Your World,” and Olivia Newton-John’s, “Physical.”

Speakers included Karen Trylovich, Drake House Board of Directors member, and Shelby Jackson, a former Drake House resident.

Jackson gave an emotional account of her experiences before, during and after her life at the Drake House.

“I think it really raised awareness, not only for what the Closet is, but for what the Drake House does in terms of serving homeless women and their children,” said Pye.

For more on the Drake House and its mission, visit them online at thedrakehouse.org.